Major UK businesses including Heathrow Airports; Network Rail; HS2 and Vodafone have supported a national personal protective equipment (PPE) campaign, to provide inclusive workwear and equipment for all.

Launched by SHP, the Protection for Everyone campaign is calling for well-fitting PPE to no longer be seen as best practice but the minimum standard for all and has already been backed by a swathe of big businesses.

Signing the Protection for Everyone charter, some 26 organisations have already shown their commitment across a range of industries – including Rail, Utilities, Tech, Facilities, Aviation and Telecommunications.

Supporters include: Southern Water; Network Rail; Heathrow Airports; HS2; Costain Plc; Amey; Morgan Sindall; Ferrovial Plc; Skanska Plc; Arup; Mitie; Vodafone; FYLD AI; IOSH; Arco; PAH Building and Construction; Tilbury Douglas; Esh Group; Arcadis; Rider Levit Bucknall; WSUP; Luminate Capital Projects; PH Plasterers; NEBOSH; Veolia; RS UK and Ireland.

In the UK, under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022, employers must provide PPE free of charge following a risk assessment.

However, the effectiveness of PPE is reliant on how well it fits the individual and not all products are made to accommodate religious headwear, or body shapes and sizes outside of the traditional small, medium or large sizes.

Ill-fitting PPE affects workers’ ability to do their job effectively, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of injury, while also eroding confidence and even impacting career progression.

This latest milestone is part of the campaign that began by highlighting the lived experiences of those affected by ill-fitting PPE, which can have a significant physical and emotional impact on workers.

Karl Simons OBE, Chairman of SHP’s Editorial Board, acknowledged those who have experienced such issues. “We continue to be humbled by the individuals that have been brave enough to share their personal stories with us and it is these lived experiences of so many that have fuelled this campaign to raise awareness, so that we prevent the risk and impact in the future for all.

“SHP has had countless messages of support from Industry leaders across multiple sectors of our economy, alongside the Health & Safety Executive who have also written to us expressing their full support.”

Katy Robinson, PPE Campaigner: “Ill-fitting PPE is something that has been spoken about for years from people in our industries, and finally our voices are being heard. It is inspiring to see so many industry-leading organisations signing our charter and pledging their support to the campaign. This charter is a fantastic step in ensuring the safety of our workers, by providing PPE that is inclusive and suitable for the user.”

The Protection for Everyone charter asks those who sign-up to:

  • uphold the value that all workers deserve access to well-fitting PPE to work comfortably, with the understanding that the standard sizing of PPE is not a one-size fits all;
  • proactively source suitable and correctly fitting PPE to meet the individual needs of any employees who require it, with the understanding that PPE may need to be sourced from more than one supplier;
  • work with any individual employee that has concerns or issues with the PPE provided to allow us to provide a suitable and well-fitting alternative;
  • provide inclusive PPE for all as part of our dedication to the health, safety and overall wellbeing of employees;
  • lead by example and share best practice with contractors and suppliers.

If you would like to pledge your support to the campaign you can sign the charter here: https://www.shponline.co.uk/inclusive-ppe/sign-the-pledge/